Indirect fluorescent antibody test for the detection of antibodies to Echinococcus granulosus in experimentally infected pups

Adult parasites of Echinococcus granulosus of buffalo origin were used as antigen in the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFA) for detection of antibodies to E. granulosus in experimentally infected pups. The technique permitted detection of antibodies on Day 5 post-infection (p.i.) and up to Day 80 p.i. in infected animals. The antigen-antibody reaction was characterized by the appearance of a specific brilliant greenish yellow fluorescence on the embryophore of mature eggs present within and outside the gravid segment of the cestode. A maximum antibody titre of 1:320 at Day 50 p.i. was observed in the infected pups, coinciding with maturation of adult worms in the intestine of the host.